Utsukushii Kare (2021)

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly ~Worth Watching Tho~

NO SPOILERS HERE IN THE FIRST PART!

Overall: completely worth my time and energy to watch this drama and love it.
These two have a rocky and less-than-smooth start and the first half of the drama took my heart on a roller coaster. I have to give credit to this drama for leaving a lasting impression on my mind now and for being profound enough for me to feel so many emotions when watching this short drama. Bravo. If you can get past the rough, triggering, and unhealthy beginnings of these two characters' relationship, then I say watch this drama and you'll feel something. I'm sure.

SPOILERS STARTING HERE!
Both of the main characters have their issues. They both found an unhealthy way to interact with each other. However, both of them are victims of never understanding the difference between healthy expressions of affections and toxic, unwanted affections.

Kiyoi is a tsundere. He's cold on the exterior and soft on the inside. He's beautiful in appearance and seemingly mild-mannered as well. He doesn't seem interested in dating and he acquired a group of 'friends' pretty quickly at the start of the school year. He hides the fact that he's incredibly lonely and he really wants to be an idol so he can overcome his loneliness through his future fans' love and devotion. On his first day of school, he notices Hira, and the looks Hira gives him. Kiyoi isn't sure what Hira wants from Kiyoi but Kiyoi wants to find out. Just not in the best way...

Hira considers himself at the 'bottom of the pyramid' and finds it difficult to like anything. Or anyone, I guess since he doesn't seem to have friends or any old friends he use to have since he never mentions anyone else besides his parents and Kiyoi. He eventually gets a friend when he goes to university and meets Koyama. Hira has a speech impairment that makes him stutter and he gets too nervous to talk to new people. He owns a camera that his parents got for him when he was young to take pictures of things that he likes. He never photographed another person since he got a camera until he met Kiyoi. Hira finds Kiyoi so beautiful and lovely to look at that he can't help but follow Kiyoi around, do everything he tells him to and take his picture. He also says very intense and intimate things to and about Kiyoi that show his perspective of Kiyoi as the King in his life and Hira as a servant. This pedestal he puts Kiyoi on also isolates these two from having anything romantic or physical. At least in Hira's mind.

But Kiyoi doesn't want that. Not after he starts to change how he feels about Hira when Hira fights back against other classmates bullying Kiyoi. Their inability to say how they feel and be honest and open with each other causes them to inadvertently hurt each other and leave them separated with big misunderstandings. Kiyoi doesn't know how to tell Hira that what he says to him and how it makes him feel, feels new but good. So he tells Hira that his actions are a turn-off. The Japanese word 'kimoi' is a shorter version of the phrase 'kimochi warui' or 'bad feelings'. The culture translation for this slang is similar to telling someone that they are 'giving off bad vibes' or that they are a 'turn-off'. (There was some confusion and misinterpretations due to the subtitling of the videos but after some research, I've found out that 'kimoi' doesn't always mean disgusting like the translation says it does every time. I do believe that some of Hira's behavior was questionable, disgusting, and a little disturbing. I still finished this drama though, so I survived those few offenses.)

Kiyoi also hung out with a group of classmates that were mostly bullies who loved using and making fun of Hira since Hira will always tag along if Kiyoi is there to order him around. Kiyoi was different from the other students in that group - of course - but I was really surprised when he gave Hira his own money since bullies would never do that. It made me question Kiyoi's action a bit more and I started to pay attention to his body language more often and not just what he was saying. It wasn't until episode 5 when Kiyoi was able to give his POV for the show that things started to make so much sense after that.

The last half of the drama gets crazier and my jaw kept dropping to the floor because this drama is telling a story of these two lonely boys who find each other and find the thing they've been looking for in each other without realizing it. Their lack of slf-esteem, honesty and ability to properly communicate leaves the viewer confused and alarmed. Things get toxic and at one instance even violent since Hira imagines having a machine gun and shooting his fellow classmates because they were being mean to Kiyoi or saying something mean about him. That part almost made me quit the drama. However, that same episode - Kiyoi kissed Hira. Kissed him! All of the sudden, Kiyoi finds time to be with Hira. Go to his house, walk home together or study when its just the two of them. This all happens after Hira beats up a classmate that poured tomato juice (???) on Kiyoi's head after Kiyoi failed to win 1st place for the idol competition that he badly wanted to win. Kiyoi didn't look like he would fight back, just pretend that the bullying didn't phase him. Hira comes in like a firece storm and punches the guy until the guys' friends have to hold Hira back.

What I liked most about this scene was that it was shown from Kiyoi's POV and not Hira's. When Hira described the incident, there was only a black screen and a faded echo of someone yelling. Thanks to the creative direction, we get to see what really happened and we get to see what Kiyoi's sees when he sees Hira. This was the first time the viewers ever saw Hira act so differently. Even the teacher made a comment about it in Hira's POV in episode 3. After the incident, Kiyoi opens up to Hira. He actually asks him if he likes boys. If Hira wants to kiss him and then offers his hand (like some blushing maiden in a fairytale???) for Hira to kiss. Which Hira does - on his knee like some knight in shining armor, awarded for protecting his lady (in this case King's maybe??) virtue. I laughed actually. It was too on the nose and not subtle at all. I liked it and thought, "Okay, I''l keep watching."

The drama is beautiful. The way it was filmed was stunning. I love the Japanese countryside aesthic. I liked the moments when they were by the river and had their bike rides. I like the inside of Hira's home and the introduction sequences for Kiyoi and Hira. The actors are also very beautiful, each in their own individual ways and their acting was superb. The body language and subtle details make all the difference. I love this drama and the fact that its from Japan as well since it reminds of Kimi Wa Petto. Another drama about an unconventional couple that found exactly what they needed serendipitously. Beautiful.

The ending.... I won't spoil the ending but I adored Kiyoi's facial expressions and the progression the two characters had regarding their communication and relationship. Now I need to read the manga because there could be a season 2 & 3??!!

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An intimate POV love story; one of my new all-time favorite BLs

Snapshot Impressions of Each Episode: [[SPOILERS!]]

1. The writing is introspective, honest, and beautiful. I like the POV format and the window into Hira's mind.

"I want to keep these near me forever. I've never felt this way before. A cruel and glorious imprint. Beautiful like a spring storm. Overwhelming in its power."

"What a nuisance. Just take your time. I'll wait."

2. I really, really liked this episode. It reminded me of my years in high school when I felt disassociated from those around me, even though they inhabited my space and held my time hostage. Bonus @13:44 when Kiyoi startled the pants off Hira on his bike, LOL. I also thought it was especially poignant when Hira mentally envisioned Kiyoi's expression after having called him a "strange guy" while on the bike, and we as the viewer could see Kiyoi was, in fact, gently smiling. I thought that was beautiful.

"I live here, but I want to go home."

"Because I want to be invisible. When I look through the viewfinder, I feel like I'm cropped out from the rest of the world. No one can bother me. I'm in a place where I can be alone."

"I am yanked again by hope and despair I have no right to feel...."

3. The writing continues to move me. The shifting dynamic between Kiyoi and Hira is mesmerizing. The visual of Hira and the symbolic image of his shadow walking upstairs toward confrontation was * p o w e r f u l *. Finding a voice in action.

"The apex of the pyramid began to waver and change."

"Ever since childhood, I floated along in filthy water...Thanks to Kiyoi, I want to move forward despite the stagnant air."

"There you go again." - the affection slowly lilting into his voice when he says that now, is really precious.

4. OOf. The time passage. The desperate yearning behind eyes that hadn't met in years. The hurt.
I'm eating every moment; every in-between stolen glance, with eagerness.

"University life is pleasant. I have friends who understand me and yet, so easily and abruptly...like a flash storm. Kiyoi wreaks havoc in my life just as it was starting to come together."

"For several insipid years, all I did was grow up."

5. Oh. my. goodness. The sudden switch to Kiyoi's POV. To be able to see behind those pensive eyes. It was thrilling.
I've always known there was a level of complexity behind his throwaway barbs and indecisive micro-expressions. He is a man. Thinking and feeling and deserving of the right to own his emotions, like anyone else. He is not just a face to be idolized and doted on. His vulnerability, insecurity, and heart-rendering yearning were indescribably beautiful. All this time he's been more than the face Hira has relentlessly stared at. The miscommunication between their unspoken words is truly heartbreaking, especially because their souls and thoughts are more in synch than either of them realize.

"I want to be stared at with those eyes again. My heart pounds with that hope...I didn't know what that feeling was called. I love you."

"I wanted to know the feelings behind the look in his eyes."

"There's no best way to describe my relationship with him. But...because of Hira, I want to move forward despite the stagnant air."

"I want to see him again. I never want to see him again."

6. It's hard to put this final episode into words. A whole different side comes out of Hira when he's with Kiyoi in these later years; it's sensual and almost preying in its intensity and I admittedly watched the finger scene an unhealthy amount of times, lol. Even despite Kiyoi's obvious desire to be understood and footed to the ground with Hira, the high pedestal on which Hira has placed Kiyoi keeps them both unobtainable from the other. The climax between them when Kiyoi *f i n a l l y* let out his true feelings gave me total body chills. His voice was so raw and pure and full of pain. It's also unfathomable how sad it is that Hira simply can't imagine being the object of Kiyoi's affection. That Kiyoi is literally screaming out his frustration and his feelings to Hira, but Hira can only assume he's referring to someone else. The bike ride at the end and the synchronicity in which their communication lines up spoke more than additional scenes needed to say (although I admittedly wanted to see more of the lovey-dovey part of their relationship because their chemistry was insannnne). I'm thankful for the way it ended; they make a beautiful couple and the journey it took warrants a happy ending.

"I wish I could spend the rest of my life being the light shining on Kiyoi."

"I don't care if you chase your ideal of me... but leave the real me alone. I don't think you'll ever understand my feelings."

"I'm not the 'King.' Screw you!"

"Makes me wonder why I fell in love with a creepy guy like you."

Overall Takeaway:
This is likely my new, all-time favorite BL. At the very least, my favorite Japanese love story.
We're looking through the viewfinder into their intimate thoughts and insecurities; they're two dots, never overlapping, but always yearning for the other. How they find their way to each other was both heartbreaking and beautiful; the climax burns intensely. I've already rewatched my favorite scenes and each time, I have butterflies and am mesmerized by its beauty.
My only negative is the theme song- it's very...jarring? Loud? Overly peppy? I hope they release a movie version of this series so I don't have to skip through the theme song with each episode because it's always kind of grating. I wish they'd used something more pretty at the end scene with them together and not the theme - it takes me out of an otherwise gorgeous shot.

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I know where they're coming from

Everybody knows the storyline so I won't waste my time writing about it. I'll straight up talk about the lead's character. Hira and Kiyoi are type of people whom I relate too. No, I am not talking about your everyday relatable characters but which some people can relate. Hira's obsessive nature and Kiyoi's "liking attention" personality. I know it is kinda toxic and unhealthy but personally, I know where they're coming from. Ok so if talking about Hira's obsessive nature, I can see why he do that. He is an introvert and doesn't have any friends. He always slutters which is why he becomes the target of making fun of. He thinks Kiyoi is the person who saved him from this. Also he thinks, Kiyoi is beautiful. I am telling you, his stalkerish and obsessive nature is because of zero experience socially(idk how to say it in a ryt way lol). If talking about my life, i don't have any friend (i used to have frnds during highschool) or talk to no one except one person. I was obsessed with him (not in a bad way like a whole phycho lmao), because i had no one else i can talk to or show my real self or open my feelings. I had trust issues and it was hard time. Also because I had no experience how to show my love or anything, i've done really embarrassing things or you can say some of them creepy even though i didn't intended to do it. I understand why he does that. But i'm not saying it's totally good. Sometimes, there are chances this increases and you can become a actually stalker. Some of his behaviour were CREEPY and STALKERISH. Talking about Kiyoi's nature of liking attention is what I relate too. It feels good, when someone likes you. It doesn't matter if it's romantically or friendly or as a family. But when someone likes you and goves you attention, i like it. There were many boys during my highschool who said they liked me. Even though i never liked them back, i used to like the attention. But that doesn't mean i'll kick them unnecessarily like Kiyoi do *dead face*. Kiyoi was realy jerk sometimes ngl. About Kiyoi saying "gross" and "disgusting" to Hira, many people found that homophobic. But according to me, i have different point of view. I dont think he mean it in a homophobic way. I see him saying that because like offcourse if anyone will say I was beautiful with that eyes or follow me everywhere like a stalker, I would say it too. I just find his reaction of hira liking him and the way he says "disgusting"and"gross" very normal and not surprising like "omg a man likes me" "wtf" type of reactions. I can't explain properly but do you understand what am i trying to say? Ig it's just the way people see that scene. Yeah. But because if their characters personality, the chemistry really worked which really hooked me on the show. If talking about acting, I was honestly impressed. Especially the one who played Hira's role. Also the one who played Hira's friend, he was really good!! Also the song was great!!! The song which plays during episode's ending, that song is my favorite from this series. The singer's voice is great! Also, there were cute momentsin the drama. I liked Kiyoi's pov too. All of the actor's visuals were GREAT! like how can they be so beautiful arghhh T_T. So yeah, overall it was a good watch.

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Discovering love amidst all the insecurities of teen years.

After reading comments and reviews I wasn't so sure if Utsukushii Kare was worth watching or not, luckily I gave it a try and i fell in love with this story and the way it is told.
Hira is awkward and easily bullied, but despite appearances and his own idea about himself he is absolutely not week and has an innate pride in wanting to stay in his role of servant for Kiyoi. Based on what is socially succesful he has a low opinion of his personality and ability to deal with others, yet he pursues his passion for Kiyoi relentlessly, blind to anything else beside his wish to be around the other boy. When Hira first meet Kiyoi, the boy incarnates an ideal perfection that is so beyond Hira he doesn't even see him not a real person. Hira is so set in his way that despite loving Kiyio and thinking the world of him he fails to notice the other boy feelings and keep misinterpreting his actions.
Kiyoi on the other hand, has the perfect life apparently. He is gorgeous, he is popular and admired by all schoolmates, he sits on top of the school hierarchy and yet he is obviously drawned by Hira. Without even knowing, Hira brings forth Kiyoi's vulnerability, his need of being truly seen and cherished for who he is beyond the perfect picture appearance. His emotions towards Hira confuses him and hurts him, especially when Hira seems to only be interested in admaring him form afar while never really wanting him.
Like most teenagers overwhelmed by emotions they hurt each others because they don't know how to communicate and watch past the maelstrom of personal insecurities. The process of seeing them grown up throught their struggles is what makes this story very sweet and tender.
As for technical aspects Japan never let down when it come to quality in BL productions: directing, cast, acting, writing are all top notch creating a real gem of a drama.

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Learning, exploring and understanding the word "Like" AKA "My beautiful Man"

There are some round about spoilers that I think need to be told in order to enjoyed this drama. While reading sub/listening you have to understand Kira from his early childhood to adulthood. Some felt it was dark and cruel and dropped it after 1-2 ep. Others like me enjoyed the story of Kira and Kiyoi finding and learning to communicate their emotions Hira wasn't able to understand what "Like" ment so his parents decided to get him a camera so he could take pictures he would like. He had social Insecurities and felt he could hide and be invisible behind his camera as he studders when gets attention. Until he meets Kiyoi 🥰 and has a strange feeling that he never had before and become interested. Kiyoi is the HOT new guy in class that has the girls weeping over him and the guys trying to be his friends. There is some bullying when they order him to get them drinks/food, but he does it for Kiyoi as he likes to be around him. It does have Kiyoi push him, call him names and kissed him, but he does so due to his Insecurities with trust, being used. (I Don't condone this in anyway but sort of get it) Again need to pay attention and read thru the lines. I wished it had 1-2 more episodes to explore there relationship more, but a good watch.

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Captivating, emotional and intriguing

THIS.

THIS BL.

THIS BL RIGHT HERE.

I'm not good at explaining things, but believe me when I say this BL is one of the best BLs I've watched in a long time. What I like about Japanese storytelling in particular is the focus on the emotional journey of the (main) characters, exploration of character relationships, and making YOU, the viewer or reader (if you read novels or manga) FEEL something. And that's exactly what Utsukushii Kare does because by the end of this series you will FEEL so many emotions for these characters and WANT them to be together more than anything, even if the idea seems crazy when you begin to watch this.

I'm probably not the only one who wasn't sure how to feel about the main characters, because they seem...flat at first, Kiyoi is just mean and seems to use Hira like all the other classmates and Hira is kind of ridiculous at first, putting Kiyoi on such a high pedestal. But please keep watching. The story is unpredictable and doesn't fall into clichés and the characters, especially Kiyoi, are much more than what meets the eye.

Anyway, to keep it short: The story is captivating, leaves you on the edge of your seat, the directing ánd acting is amazing (the y REALLY understood the assignment).

Only minus I could find would be the OST, I liked it during the scenes but after finishing the series I don't think it's very memorable.

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Don't jump in expecting Normalcy

This is not your regular BL. Just jump in expecting surprise. Hearts and flowers can be found everywhere. FOREVER might not have the same picture for everyone.
The story, it was completely engaging and hella complex. I had to rethink situations again and again.
And when clarity was presented i was rooting intensely.
I dunno how else they could have played with the plot coz it's one of a kind. So i am impressed.
The actors couldn't be better casted. They are so awesom that when i saw their real life interviews, i thought they were acting there. XD
Very investing story and short as well.
Give this a chance.

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A different kind of BL drama

Completed - 2/21/2022

Coming into this, I’ve read some comments on “My Beautiful Man”. It seems quite controversial and it’s not the typical fluffy BL drama. This is a love story about two individuals who have their own issues and demons to deal with. If I watch this drama when it’s aired weekly, I might feel the same way as most watchers, just hating how Kiyoi treats Hira. Because honestly, it’s a lot of bullying.

Hira is an introvert who suffers from stuttering. Because of that, he has a difficult time making friends and is made fun of all the time. He retreats to his little cocoon and becomes invisible. His parents bought him a camera when he was young, so that he has a hobby of his own by being socially isolated. On the other hand, Kiyoi is the total opposite. He’s the “King” who is surrounded by admirers. He’s viewed at the top of the social hierarchy but also has secrets of his own.

Hira’s obsession with Kiyoi is abnormal and unhealthy. Even though it’s mean for Kiyoi to call him creepy and a stalker, that is quite true. Hira is creepy and he is a stalker. Their complicated, master/slave relationship is the central point of this drama. It doesn’t matter that years have passed, their relationship is still as dysfunctional as ever.

But once we get to hear Kiyoi’s side of the story and his own internal struggles, viewers begin to understand the “why” behind some of his actions. But do his reasons justify his actions, that’s up to the viewer to decide. I actually really enjoy Kiyoi’s internal monologues, more so than Hira’s. I would have loved to see more of Kiyoi’s story. For someone who is new to acting, Yagi Yusei’s portrayal of Kiyoi and esp. in the last episode is really good. We see a different Kiyoi that’s not shown in the first 5 episodes.

This drama might not be for everyone. But if you are up for a different kind of BL drama, I would recommend it. Besides, Yagi Yusei IS really a beautiful man.

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A beautifully imperfect relationship between two complex characters

One of the only few dramas that gets better and better the more you rewatch it due to the complexity of the characters and relationship, which were all well depicted in the details in acting. While slightly controversial, I think that the two main leads' relationship is the most interesting of all that I've seen so far from a BL.

Hira's a foolish character with a huge inferiority complex due to his stutter but can be rather self-absorbed as well, which you wouldn't quite notice until you see the relationship from Kiyoi's perspective since most of it was from the former's perspective. Meanwhile, Kiyoi is selfish and arrogant due to the lack of love he received growing up. And it's only when you see how much effort he actually put into their relationship, that you realise that Kiyoi truly treasures Hira and is more kind than mean inside. The two make up a rather odd couple, but despite all those flaws, it's obvious that they're made for one another.

The acting and cinematography was also superb in this. With each scene depicting exactly how one character feels about the other and some scenes were truly beautiful. Hagiwara Riku did an amazing job at showing Hira's captivation with Kiyoi, and Yagi Yusei did a terrific job at depicting the complexity of Kiyoi's character and emotions, especially so for his first ever actual TV acting job (not counting Mannequin Night Fever).

I just adore how well written and depicted the characters were, and with the little amount of time they had to show this story (6 x 20mins), the story still felt complete. Nonetheless, I do hope that they get to do a Season 2, or even more, since they do have the material to do so for the light novel! And I just hope this drama finally gets the attention it deserves considering the near-perfect performance.

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it's a MUST WATCH!!!!

Ohhh God!!!!!! Why didn't I find this earlier??
It's been ages I watched such good bl.
The ACTING was marvelous.
STORY was fantastic.
the MAIN CHARACTERS showed such mind blowing ACTING and EMOTIONS, that i couldn't stop watching it again and again.
The actors look really really goooooooodddddd!!
Overall beautiful.
Overall perfect.
Overall loveable.
And overall WATCHABLE....
AGAIN and AGAIN.......

I seriously loved it so so so much..... I can't stop thinking about it.
I would like to more such series....
It was best and worth watching....
I love it. I love it. I love it.

The best was acting.... emotions that was conveyed in such impactful way....
They really worked hard!!!

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Yagi Yusei (aka Kiyoi Sou), the story from the drama and scenes skipped from the light novel.

I just became a fan of FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE like a week ago because of Yagi Yusei. I literally discovered him thanks to this drama and honestly I don’t regret it. He is such a dummy with his members and seeing him doing this type of role was amazing. It amazed me how good he was on his acting debut (in a BL too). I am so grateful that he got to become an actor like some of his group members! (Please check them out, they’re very talented and funny!)

Hagiwara Riku is already a well known actor and I’ve seen him in a few dramas that were a total hit, and with other big/famous actors such as Nagano Mei, Suda Masaki, etc. So I’m not really surprised he did a good job doing Hira’s role.

I’m just happy overall about the amount of feelings the last 2 episodes gave me. I already knew what was gonna happen because I did read the light novel when the drama only had 2 episodes out.

Though, they skipped A LOT of important scenes such as the blowjobs Hira gave to Kiyoi after Kiyoi started going to Hira’s (uncle’s) house to practice. For those short intimate moment they had the lines "Can I touch you?" from Hira and Kiyoi’s "if it’s gonna be the same as before then don’t" would make more sense because in the drama, they barely had touched each other or had any other physical intimate interaction.

Kiyoi and Hira didn’t live together that time, though; even if Kiyoi had a lot of his stuff in Hira’s uncle’s house (where Hira had moved in to live to help Kiyoi, and his uncle was overseas for work so it was literally Hira’s house now), but they were very couple-like. They also skipped the scene where Hira’s mom goes to visit him to give him food and he was there with Kiyoi having a conversation.

One day, Kiyoi wanted to help Hira to feel good just like Hira often did by giving blowjobs. But when he tried to do so, Hira told him that he shouldn’t be doing something so disgusting (?) (I apologize if I’m wrong it’s just that I barely remember those lines) or more like.... He, Kiyoi: his God, shouldn’t be doing anything like that for him (Hira), because Hira was supposed to do things for Kiyoi instead. Hira’s mentality about Kiyoi being his God was pretty fucked up the entire light novel if I’m honest. He was literally acting like he was supposed to ve serving Kiyoi.

That’s why Kiyoi was so mad after confessing to Hira, because he was always treating him like something he was not (a God) and he was totally sick of that.

Also, I’m pretty sure they NEVER went back to their classroom so that was also something new to me.

OH! And Koyama forcing himself (hugging him and stuff) was not in the light novel either for what I remember. He did say that Kiyoi bad-mouthed Hira and quickly apologized for being a terrible person and repeating the words Kiyoi said AND that he wasn’t supposed to tell Hira about it. But Hira didn’t get even that mad and even defended Kiyoi by saying "he always says all those words to me in the face" and Koyama was like creeped out by that, LMAO.

The sex scene did happen and was more explicitly written, of course. And it was at Hira’s house, too, I think.

I wanted to tell you guys about these details they changed from the novel so you get to know more about the canon story.

If any of you wants me to link the light novel translated, you can always DM on here or my Twitter account: @yuseinator . I have the novel in English (not fully translated yet) and in Spanish (3/5 volumes translated so far).

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